Sustainable Peoria Plan August 2022 SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN Table of Contents Introduction 3 Mayor’s Letter 3 Our Approach 4 Sustainability Milestones 4 Measuring Energy & Climate Impacts 5 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Eight Pillars of Sustainability 6 Building & Energy 8 Monitoring Success and Next Steps 38 Appendix 39 Urban Form 11 Table A-1. Municipal Green Team Membership 39 Transportation 14 39 Community Health & Wellness 17 Table A-2. Indicators for Annual Sustainability Dashboard Table A-3. Sustainability Goals and City Plans Crosswalk 40 Natural Systems & Community Forestry 20 Solid Waste Management 24 Water Resources 28 Sustainability Engagement & Education 35 SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Cathy Carlat Mayor City of Peoria, AZ Welcome to the Sustainable Peoria Plan! The City of Peoria is proud to be recognized as a statewide and regional leader in sustainability. Peoria’s first Sustainability Plan was set in motion in 2009 and approaches sustainability in a logical and purposeful manner that ensures residents’ needs are at the forefront of every decision. This plan outlines specific goals and initiatives centered on reducing energy costs, conserving resources, implementing smart water principles, an extensive education component, and even transforming the way we design, operate, and maintain facilities. Smart planning requires creative solutions. It requires thoughtful and intentional leadership to develop a long-term vision that carries our community into the innovation economy of tomorrow. Peoria’s approach to urban planning and our commitment to sustainability has empowered us to take action that upholds the tremendous quality of life that our community is known for. By focusing on sustainable development, which serves to reduce the impacts associated with accelerated growth, we assure our community develops in a thoughtful and responsible way. Peoria’s new plan renews our commitment to building a strong foundation for Peoria’s future. We recognize that environmental stewardship translates to financial stewardship, and perhaps most importantly — it is simply the right thing to do. I pledge Peoria’s continued commitment to economic viability and environmental responsibility as we work with our community to create a city that we are proud to pass on to future generations. Sincerely, Cathy Carlat Mayor, City of Peoria 3 INTRODUCTION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Our Approach The City of Peoria realizes that the health of the local economy and our residents is intricately bound to the health of the environment. Although we are proud to say that we have been good stewards of the environment, Peoria remains committed to furthering the practices within its operations and throughout the community. This Sustainable Peoria Plan was created with our stakeholders’ feedback, ideas, and passion. We wanted to ensure that this new plan was driven by the community and that the City’s goals and actions were aligned with the needs of its residents. Community engagement for the new plan was held from January through March of 2021. Residents and other stakeholders participated in virtual town halls and completed an extensive sustainability survey. This valuable feedback provided insights and strategies to support Peoria’s eight plan topics. The Municipal Green Team used this input to craft goals, actions, and tracking metrics for each topic. The City looks forward to continued transparency and involvement with our community as we move forward sustainably together. 2010 First solar array is 2009 installed at Beardsley 2012 The City establishes our Water Treatment Plant, The City launches supplying 30% of our Sustainability first Sustainability its energy Action Plan 2.0 Action Plan 2016 The City purchases 85 acres of Sunrise Mountain to protect its natural state for years to come 2009 2013 2010 The Peoria Sports Complex Urban Design Plan and Old Town Revitalization Plan set goals to establish a vibrant, pedestrianfriendly mixed-use area 4 INTRODUCTION 2012 The City ensures that all new municipal projects are efficient and sustainable by requiring a minimum of LEED Silver Certification 2015 The Sonoran Preservation Program is adopted to identify and prioritize open space areas for conservation 2019 The City 2020 combines the Water Conservation The City calculates its first municipal and Sustainability GHG inventory Divisions 2020–2021 The City undertakes a thorough community engagement process to develop its new Sustainable Peoria Plan 2018 2015 2018 2016 The City hires Commencement The City’s first its first of street light comprehensive energy Sustainability conversion audit establishes energy Manager to LED benchmarks in 20 municipal technology facilities to identify and implement energy efficiency measures 2021 2020 2020 Ratification of The City forms Peoria’s 2040 a Municipal Green Team General Plan, which includes a theme of sustainability SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Measuring Energy & Climate Impacts Due to the global nature of climate impacts and air pollution, it has become common practice for cities to measure and report their energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By developing a GHG inventory following widely accepted sector standards, Peoria can assess its environmental impacts in a comparable manner to other leading cities across the country. This information can also be used to prioritize sustainability actions that lead to the greatest air quality and climate co-benefits. In this plan, we present an overview of GHG emissions linked to municipal activities (under our operational control) and at the community scale for regional context. MUNICIPAL EMISSIONS INVENTORY COMMUNITY-WIDE GHG EMISSIONS Peoria has compiled information on its energy use and other activities for calendar years 2008 (baseline), 2017, and 2019. In the most recent year calculated (2019), municipal activities resulted in emissions of just under 53,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Most of these emissions were the result of burning fossil fuels to meet energy needs. This included fuel burned at power plants to produce the electricity used by Peoria’s water treatment facilities, buildings, and streetlights, as well as fuel used by fleet vehicles. Monitoring GHG emission trends over time will help the City evaluate the positive effect of sustainability policies on economic stability and community health. For instance, our water facilities’ efficiency improvements and solar power systems have significantly reduced energy use and emissions. While the City of Peoria aims to lead by example, it is also important to monitor the emissions occurring across the broader community. Maricopa County created a community-scale emissions inventory1 for the cities in our region. Their analysis included 2018 data on electricity use and modeling for emission sources such as transportation, residential and commercial fuel use, and others. This inventory showed that our community GHG emissions are driven by electricity use and mobile (transportation) sources, typical for bedroom communities such as Peoria. Nearly two-thirds of electricity emissions were from the residential sector, showing the impact that households can have. MUNICIPAL GHG EMISSIONS PEORIA’S COMMUNITY GHG EMISSIONS 20% Water & Wastewater Facilities Buildings & Facilities Community-Scale Emissions estimated from the Maricopa County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. 45% Mobile Sources 21% Solid Waste 2% Employee Commute 33% 1 13% Vehicle & Transit Fleet 11% Street Lights & Traffic Signals 39% Electricity Use 11% Stationary Fuel Combustion 2% Wastewater 1% Manufacturing (Fluorinated Gas) 1% Solid Waste 1% Imported Water Electricity Use <0% Livestock (Cattle) <0% Fertilizer Use 5 INTRODUCTION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Eight Pillars of Sustainability Our Organizing Principles Sustainability is a sweeping concept that aims to balance environmental, social, and economic well-being. Peoria’s sustainability plan is organized around eight “pillars,” or cross-cutting themes. These pillars address concerns raised by City stakeholders while also bringing a local focus to global issues. This plan is closely aligned with the City’s Livability Goals to help advance the objectives of the 2040 General Plan. The pillars also reference the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to demonstrate alignment with international sustainability priorities. Building & Energy Urban Form Transportation Community Health & Wellness Natural Systems & Community Forestry Solid Waste Management Water Resources Sustainability Engagement & Education 6 EIGHT PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 CITY OF PEORIA LIVABILITY GOALS Sustainability Pillar UN Sustainable Development Goals Arts, Cultural, & Recreation Enrichment Superior Public Healthy Safety Neighborhoods Economic Prosperity Superior Public Services Smart Growth Integrated Transportation Building & Energy 1 2 2 4 4 4 1 Urban Form 2 2 4 3 5 5 3 Transportation 1 3 4 3 3 4 5 Community Health & Wellness 1 3 5 2 3 2 1 Natural Systems & Community Forestry 2 2 5 4 4 4 2 Solid Waste Management 2 1 4 4 4 4 1 Water Resources 2 1 3 4 4 4 1 Sustainability Engagement & Education 2 1 5 3 5 5 2 Alignment of Sustainability Pillar Goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the City of Peoria Livability Goals. Scores are averaged across all sustainability goals per topic. Key 1 = Less Aligned (Lightest Color) 5 = Most Aligned (Darkest Color) How to Navigate The Plan Each sustainability pillar has its own chapter describing Peoria’s goals, actions, and metrics: Pillar  What aspect of sustainability is being addressed? Topics are color-coded and have icons for easier navigation. Our Vision  What is the sustainable future state that Peoria is striving toward?  hy It Matters W How does Peoria contribute to this topic?  easuring Progress & Moving Forward M How will performance be tracked? What new initiatives will be undertaken? 7 EIGHT PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN KEY • Goal: What is the overarching objective or target Peoria is pursuing? • Action: What steps will Peoria take to support this goal? • Indicators / Outcomes: How will success be measured? What result is Peoria looking to achieve? • Priority Level: Low = Less urgent / lower impact, Medium = Routine urgency / moderate impact, High = Critical urgency / major impact • Timeline: Short = 0-3 years, Medium = 4-7 years, Long = 8+ years, Ongoing •  op Choice: These are the most popular actions requested by T City stakeholders. SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Building & Energy Our Vision Energy is essential for running a modern city. Yet, most of Peoria’s energy supply comes from non-renewable resources, creating air pollution and other environmental harm. The City leads by example by reducing energy consumption at municipal sites, promoting energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, and exploring clean energy sources. The City becomes a better steward of its financial resources through these efforts while inspiring others to adopt high-performance building practices. 8 BUILDING & ENERGY SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Building & Energy Why It Matters Measuring Progress & Moving Forward MUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY USE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 18% Street Lights & Traffic Signals 51% Buildings & Facilities 31% Since 2012, the City of Peoria has committed to construct all new buildings to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. LEED buildings now account for about 16% of municipal buildings by square feet. These projects have all achieved a higher level of performance: LEED Gold. The Jomax Water Reclamation Facility Operations Building, pictured below, will be the latest LEED project in the municipal portfolio. Its sustainability features will include a rainwater collection system that will store rainwater from the roof and use it to irrigate the surrounding landscape. Water & Wastewater Municipal operations use just over 71 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. About half of this power is used by municipal buildings. Therefore, the City has prioritized efficiency strategies that lower energy use from building operations such as lighting, air conditioning, and plug load. SOLAR POWER The City has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays at the Beardsley wastewater treatment plant, four fire stations, and other municipal locations across the City. Every year, these solar panels produce nearly 4 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity. WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? 4 million kilowatthours per year = 340 homes’ energy use 9 BUILDING & ENERGY “Getting the community involved. We are in this together, and we must work on building that culture in Peoria.” SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Building & Energy Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) GOAL: Analyze facility energy use by organizing accounts into building use categories and crafting an energy efficiency strategy for each category. Establish building use type categories and methods to track energy and water use. O Municipal building inventory (with square feet [sf] and use type) I Electricity use intensity (kWh/sf/yr) I Peak electrical demand (kW) I Water use intensity (gal/sf/yr) I Number, square feet, and rating level of LEED buildings I Electricity use intensity (kWh/sf/yr) I Peak electrical demand (kW) I Water use intensity (gal/sf/yr) I Installed solar capacity (MW) I Electricity produced per year (kWh/yr) Medium Short Medium Short Low Long GOAL: Track LEED buildings within the municipality. Report the number of City-owned LEED-certified buildings and compare their performance to similar non-LEED buildings. GOAL: Track solar energy benefits from municipal facilities. Report the electricity production of municipal solar arrays. GOAL: Issue an educational graphic or communications release on municipal energy projects to inform residents of updates, savings, and simple payback. Conduct a study on the new chiller system for the Public Safety Administration Building (PSAB) and share the results. Compile the results of LED lighting and other efficiency upgrades conducted in partnership with outside organizations. I Energy savings (kWh/yr) I Simple payback (years) O Communications story or infographic I Energy savings (kWh/yr) I Simple payback (years) O Communications story or infographic Medium Short Medium Short Low Medium Medium Short GOAL: Expand the LED lighting controls upgrades in City parking structures and other municipal areas. Conduct a survey to determine where motion and daylight sensors have already been deployed and develop a timeframe for remaining upgrades. O Implementation plan with cost I Energy savings (kWh/yr) I Simple payback (years) GOAL: Upgrade uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units in facilities and connect them to energy management software for better efficiency and energy resilience. Develop a timeframe to complete the upgrades and estimate the energy savings. 10 BUILDING & ENERGY I Number of UPS units upgraded and connected I Energy efficiency percent improvement SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Urban Form Our Vision Vibrant communities attract residents, visitors, and businesses by creating a sense of place and valuing the local environment. By adopting green planning and construction practices, we will protect natural resources and air quality. Taking a holistic approach will allow Peoria to invest in a healthy, active, and equitable lifestyle for all community members. The City will also strengthen its ability to adapt to future environmental changes by following smart growth principles. 11 URBAN FORM SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Urban Form Why It Matters Measuring Progress & Moving Forward A central focus of the City’s efforts will be to design neighborhoods and streetscapes that work for its residents and support the natural environment. Peoria has approximately 14 miles of walking paths, 91 miles of trails, and more than 1,100 miles of sidewalks. The City will be implementing a robust capital improvement program in the coming years to continue improving pedestrian networks, ensure accessibility, and provide essential shade. Building from the success of the Peoria Park and Ride project, the City will also explore opportunities for pervious pavement and other strategies to manage stormwater and reduce the heat island effect. According to General Plan design, 45% of City land is currently undeveloped, including 2% set aside as existing preserves. Development is a sign of a thriving economy bringing jobs, housing, and services to the City. Planning for the future, Peoria must strike a careful balance between development, community connectivity, water conservation, and ecosystem preservation. About 45% of the City currently consists of open space, and much of this land is available for development. We will be enhancing our design standards to protect open space, combat erosion and habitat loss, and encourage residents to get outside. 12 URBAN FORM SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Urban Form Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) High Short High Ongoing GOAL: Amend the Design Review Manual for development projects to include green planning and construction practices.. O  ew standard and metrics to be developed N by 2022 I  otal acres of preserved open space in T the City, including parks and protected natural areas I Walk score I Walking path miles O Interactive map of walking paths Increase open space requirements for new developments. GOAL: Increase the City’s walkability score. Continue to implement best practices for sidewalk accessibility, pedestrian and bike safety, and community connectivity. GOAL: Research and pilot test, where feasible, cool pavement and walkway technology that is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant. Track cool pavement options being tested in the valley. Research or pilot test concrete alternatives for paths. O Summary of best practices to share with City departments Medium Medium GOAL: Adopt the updated International Plumbing Code and International Energy Conservation Code for water and energy efficiency with a 10% higher efficiency standard. Update codes every three years and set a standard that at least 10% higher efficiency must be met. I Code adoption rate (number of projects/year) I Percentage increase in efficiency Medium Medium WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? “Address topics that Peorians have prioritized as important. Clearly define the benefits of the sustainability and conservation goals and how it impacts daily lives.” 13 URBAN FORM SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Transportation Our Vision A growing city such as Peoria places pressure on transportation networks to move more people throughout the region. Without proper planning, this growth could have consequences such as an increase in traffic, inequitable access to transportation options, and air and water quality impacts. The pace of technological change has led to more choices than ever before — from electric vehicles to ridesharing, and these must be carefully considered. The City aspires to create an integrated transportation system serving all people with affordable, efficient, and reliable mobility options. 14 TRANSPORTATION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Transportation Why It Matters Measuring Progress & Moving Forward COMMUTE MODES <0% Bicycle or Walk TRANSIT OPTIONS — BY THE NUMBERS 1% Other 8% Work from Home 1% Public Transit 10% Carpool 79% Drive Alone According to recent surveys, Peoria residents travel an average of five miles or less per outing1 and spend about a half-hour2 commuting to work. While these statistics reflect the City’s livability, transportation must be looked at more broadly to understand its sustainability impacts. By examining how people navigate the City, we find that a majority of commuters drive alone2. Increasing the availability, convenience, and connectivity of options can help residents make more environmentally friendly choices for their travel. Peoria offers a growing suite of alternative transportation options, including walking routes, bike paths and lanes, transit buses, and even a pilot program with autonomous electric shuttles. Aside from the recent slowdown due to COVID-19, transit bus ridership has steadily increased to over 240,000 passengers per year. The City’s Transit Master Plan presents options that support future transportation objectives outlined in the 2040 General Plan while also aligning with goals for smart growth and healthy neighborhoods. Based on extensive stakeholder input, this comprehensive approach to improving mobility reflects our residents’ needs and interests. Miles of Bicycle Paths and Lanes 124 Sidewalks 1,178 Number of Transit Routes 10 Transit Stops 142 Trips per Year 52,641 Passengers per Year3 240,846 3 3-year average FY 2018-2020 Findings from the 2021 City of Peoria Sustainability Survey. 2 U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey for Peoria, AZ. 1 15 TRANSPORTATION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Transportation Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) High Ongoing Medium Short Medium Ongoing Low Long Low Long Medium Ongoing Medium Ongoing Medium Medium GOAL: Expand public transit services. Increase the number of routes and connections in coordination with regional funding opportunities. Create an education program to inform residents on mobility options and transit stops. I Number of routes and transit stops I Number of trips I Miles of service I Ridership (number of passengers) I Number of event attendees I Commuter survey results O Interactive map of transit routes I Ridership from the RoboRide pilot program O List of priority areas for expansion O Feasibility studies for EV charging, bike share, and other options for future transit centers O Feasibility studies for electric streetcar and commuter rail options I Number of publicly available charging stations within the City O Ongoing capital projects for sidewalk improvement I Miles of sidewalks I Miles of bike paths and bike lanes O Interactive map of bike routes GOAL: Explore opportunities for alternative vehicles. Investigate options for all-electric autonomous vehicle routes and operations. Evaluate opportunities for multimodal integration and low-emitting public transit technology. Track prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) in the community to estimate demand and inform future plans for charging stations. GOAL: Increase the accessibility of walking routes and bike paths. Connect discontinued sidewalks and enhance the walkability of major streetscapes. Inform the public about biking options and increase ridership. GOAL: Assess opportunities for municipal fleet upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Explore cost-effective opportunities to expand the municipal fleet with more alternative fuel vehicles or electric options. 16 TRANSPORTATION O Feasibility studies for alternative vehicles and infrastructure O  ursue alternative funding sources P to help offset fleet conversions SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Community Health & Wellness Our Vision Peoria takes pride in its ability to deliver a high quality of life. The City strives to create a socially inclusive community that values diversity, social well-being, physical and mental health and the environment. Through community engagement efforts, residents are encouraged to participate in City activities, events, programs and services. A variety of Community Assistance Resources are available and offered for community health and wellness-related issues. When applied to those most vulnerable, these collective efforts provide a higher level of responsiveness to the community’s overall health and wellness, thereby lifting the community as a whole. 17 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Community Health & Wellness Why It Matters Measuring Progress & Moving Forward Number of Households per Income Category CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO RESOURCES 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 COMMUNITY BUILDING THROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMS 788 677 503 407 223 61 2020 Very low (below 30% of AMI) Moderate (51% – 80% of AMI) 179 37 2021 Low (31% – 50% of AMI) Non-Low/Moderate (81%+ of AMI) Number of households served by Peoria’s Resource Center, by fiscal year. Income categories are based on a family of four Area Mean Income (AMI). The City strives to improve the quality of life in Peoria for all residents. To strengthen community, a Resource Center is in place offering connections to services and resources. Through a strategic partnership with a total of 20 nonprofit partners and government agencies, residents may receive assistance with various human and social services. Rent/mortgage and utilities, health services, senior services, food and nutrition programs, employment and housing navigation are just a sampling of services offered through the Resource Center. The Center is open five days a week to meet the needs of Peoria residents, providing critical aid that contributes to a healthier community. WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? The Neighborhood & Human Services Department focuses on the safety, health and welfare of residents as well as engaging residents to build strong neighborhoods. Several community assistance programs exist to enhance and revitalize neighborhoods, and to connect neighbors to available resources. Community engagement efforts such as Pop-Ups and Block Parties are in place to bring neighbors together and insert services directly into neighborhoods. Programs such as Emergency Home Repair, Neighborhood Enhancement Grants, Tool Lending and the signature City program, Neighborhood Pride, give traditional neighborhoods the opportunity to improve or enhance their neighborhood, helping residents maintain the appearance and value of their homes. Neighborhood Services Programs help build stronger community connections and encourage lasting community engagement. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 26% Other 3% Neighborhood Grants 14% Block Parties 49% Tool Lending 8% Pop-Ups Breakdown of the 100+ Community Engagement activities that have taken place to date in fiscal year 2022. “Educate people on the importance of health and wellness and the resources that are available for them.” 18 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Community Health & Wellness Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) High Medium Medium Short Medium Medium High Ongoing High Ongoing High Ongoing Medium Ongoing GOAL: Increase community engagement. I Increase neighborhood outreach. Number of proactive engagements I Number of reactive engagements I Number of relationship-building engagements GOAL: Maintain a webpage that has a library of resources available through the City and local non-profit partnerships. O Web content regularly updated I Number of views and click rate by topic O Series of educational events offered annually I Number of attendees I Number of referrals I Number of engagements I Number of placements Continue work through the Resource Center and with agencies offering affordable housing programs such as rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and accessibility improvements. I Number of households served I Dollar value of assistance Continue offering all neighborhood home improvement/ enhancement programs. I Number of households assisted I Dollar value of assistance Pilot a neighborhood revitalization program that focuses on exterior home repairs in targeted areas. I Number of households assisted I Dollar value of assistance Provide short, informative web content that addresses services available to Peoria residents and neighborhoods. GOAL: Increase mental health programming and awareness. Offer awareness series seminars related to anxiety, grief, dementia and other mental health topics. GOAL: Provide housing resources to residents. Continue partnerships with nonprofit organizations, homeless navigations services, and shelter services and ensure public-facing employees have access to the Peoria Homeless Referral contact line. 19 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Natural Systems & Community Forestry Our Vision All life depends on a balanced ecosystem. The City of Peoria recognizes the inherent value of nature to provide fresh air, clean water and other environmental services upon which we depend, as well as a host of socio-economic benefits. The City commits to providing exceptional outdoor opportunities to recreate, connect with nature, and build community well-being. The City’s protection of natural open spaces, wildlife corridors, and the proactive management of the community forest support a healthy environment for current and future generations. 20 NATURAL SYSTEMS & COMMUNITY FORESTRY SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Natural Systems & Community Forestry Why It Matters HABITAT The diverse habitats of the Sonoran Desert are home to many unique plants and animals. Peoria is fortunate to be surrounded by pristine deserts rich in wildlife, unique habitats, and scenic vistas. Beyond their aesthetic qualities, these areas are critical for supplying clean water and supporting biodiversity. Our residents enjoy and appreciate the many activities available at Peoria’s parks, from hiking to bird watching to fishing. The City encourages its community members to become familiar with the regional environment and use this knowledge to adopt land use practices that fit Peoria’s arid climate. Hedgehog Cactus WATER RESOURCES OPEN SPACE Preserving a network of floodplains and rivers ensures a healthy watershed for wildlife and our community. Setting aside areas for recreation and solitude enhances our quality of life. Calderwood Butte STEWARDSHIP Remediating degraded landscapes brings health and recreational use back to the area. 21 NATURAL SYSTEMS & COMMUNITY FORESTRY New River Olive Avenue Trailhead SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Natural Systems & Community Forestry Measuring Progress & Moving Forward The City’s approach for the future is based on the concept of creating a resilient environment, protecting critical wildlife habitat, and the science of community forestry to improve the quality of life for all. Peoria will act on these principles by implementing the Sonoran Preservation Program recommendations and incorporating wildlife corridors best management practices. In addition, City public property has the potential to be multi-functional by supporting both infrastructure and wildlife habitat to engage and connect communities. As part of its approach to stewardship, Peoria cares for over 15,000 trees in the municipal tree inventory. The City will diligently track their health, growth, and any changes in tree canopy. The City will also share its expertise by educating the public on the benefits of trees and the importance of desert-adapted landscaping. This community-wide effort will position Peoria to be better prepared for extreme weather, while safeguarding the local ecosystem. COMMUNITY FORESTRY Involving the community in the shared stewardship of natural resources, access to ecosystem benefits, and conservation of lands. COOLING NEIGHBORHOODS CLEAN AIR Concrete and pavement absorb heat, making cities hotter than the surrounding area. Trees store carbon to reduce GHG emissions (>32,000 tons/year). Trees reduce heat island effect by providing shade and releasing water vapor. Native and adaptive plantings help to lower nighttime temperatures. 22 NATURAL SYSTEMS & COMMUNITY FORESTRY They also remove air pollutants that affect human health (197 tons/year). These services provide a $40 million value to Peoria. PRESERVING WILDLIFE CORRIDORS & OPEN SPACE Wildlife corridors such as natural washes, riparian areas, and open space help promote biodiversity and create a resilient environment. Integration of outdoor recreation, wildlife corridors, and open space benefits the whole community. SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Natural Systems & Community Forestry Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) Medium Short GOAL: Update the zoning ordinance to improve water conservation and open space protection. As the City makes routine updates to planning documents and standards, work with stakeholders to implement recommendations from the Sonoran Preservation Program and the Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Corridors Best Practices. O Amendments drafted and submitted to City Council by April 2023 O Wildlife corridors best practices incorporated into future Sonoran Preservation Program updates GOAL: Transform three City spaces per year into natural spaces with tree shade, wildlife habitat, and community engagement opportunities. Design three City spaces to maximize the interaction of community and natural areas. I Number of City spaces converted Medium Short Low Ongoing Medium Short Medium Medium Medium Short Medium Short GOAL: Ensure no net loss of municipal trees and ongoing monitoring of community tree canopy. Track the removal and planting of trees on City property to keep our canopy steady or increase it over time. Complete the tree inventory and urban tree canopy assessment every three years. Require that developments provide data (ideally AutoCAD or GIS files) on native plant preservation, landscape plantings inventory, and irrigation system layout. I Annual removals and losses I Annual plantings I Net change I Tree condition I Tree height I Tree diameter I Land cover class (by percentage) I Percent of developers providing AutoCAD or GIS files GOAL: Create a tree care standards guide and increase awareness in the community. Create a Tree Shade Master Plan as a local tree guide that can be used internally and shared with the community that ties in all the environmental and health benefits of different tree species. Increase partnerships and education with the private sector, non-profits, and utilities to enhance Peoria’s community forestry practices. 23 NATURAL SYSTEMS & COMMUNITY FORESTRY O The Tree Shade Master Plan and standards guide I Number of events or offerings I Number of attendees O Partner with two entities per year SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Solid Waste Management Our Vision Solid waste that is not properly managed causes harm by degrading land, polluting air and water, and impacting public health. The City of Peoria recognizes that it plays an essential role in the circular economy by supporting waste reduction and resource recovery. The City promotes conservation of natural resources through sustainable materials management. Peoria will enact programs and practices that encourage all sectors, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to consciously reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. 24 WASTE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Solid Waste Management AVERAGE SOLID WASTE PER PERSON PER YEAR Why It Matters 175 Pounds of Recycling per Person2 Tons of Solid Waster per Year SOLID WASTE GENERATION BY SECTOR 140,000 690 Pounds of Trash per Person 120,000 100,000 Each year, Peoria residents generate about 865 pounds of solid waste per person, which is significantly lower than the national average of nearly 1,800 pounds per person. Choosing to reduce, reuse, or recycle is one of the simplest ways each of us can help the environment. 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2 2018 2019 2020 Water Treatment Sludge Commercial Trash Residential Trash Commercial Recycling Residential Recycling The City of Peoria collects trash and recycling from more than 60,000 households, as well as a portion of the commercial sector1. Trash and biosolids from wastewater treatment are sent to landfills, where specialized equipment helps prevent pollution in the surrounding environment. Recycling, on the other hand, creates value from waste. Recyclables are brought to regional Material Recovery Facilities, sorted by material type, and then sold to manufacturers to make new products. 1 Each bin represents 10 pounds of either trash or recycling. This figure represents the 3-year average for 2018-2020. WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? “I know Peoria is trying hard to get folks to recycle! Keep up the great work, Peoria.” Commercial waste and recycling tonnage is only partially reported due to lack of data from private hauling contracts. 25 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Solid Waste Management PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE DIVERSION Measuring Progress & Moving Forward RESIDENTIAL WASTE DIVERSION RATE 19% Recycling* 81% Landfill 22% 2025 Goal Contamination, or improperly sorting materials, is one of the biggest challenges to resource recovery. When plastic bags and other contaminants are placed in the recycling, the entire load may need to be thrown away. Conversely, placing recyclables into the trash is a wasted opportunity. A recent waste audit found that nearly 17% of what residents throw away could have been recycled. The Blue Lid Pilot program was launched in 2021 to test different strategies that would reduce contamination. This program successfully showed that changing the color of recycling bin lids from brown to blue and providing educational information and waste inspections lowered contamination and boosted recycling rates. EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY 3 This is Peoria’s recycling rate for 2020. Peoria has established a goal to increase residential waste diversion to 22% by 2025. The City aims to achieve this goal by expanding its popular outreach campaigns, clarifying what can be recycled, and exploring opportunities beyond curbside recycling. These efforts also enable the City to keep waste fees low and offer the highest service levels for our residents. 26 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT The Peoria recycling team engages with more than 19,000 residents per year to help inform the community on the benefits and best practices for recycling. These activities range from presentations in schools and neighborhoods to Recycling 101 classes and tabling at special events. SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Solid Waste Management Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) GOAL: Create an outreach campaign for residents and ensure all new employees are trained in sustainable solid waste practices. I Number of registrations I Number of attendees O Schedule of content I Views and interactions Promote Peoria’s Recycling and Sustainability Programs at City-sponsored special events. O Recycling team attendance at special events I Number of attendees Train new City employees in sustainable solid waste practices. I Number of orientation attendees Conduct at least two Recycling 101 classes per year, covering where recyclables go and how they are used. Increase waste reduction and recycling stories on social media. Medium Short Medium Short Medium Short Medium Short Medium Short Medium Short Low Long Low Long Medium Short High Short High Medium High Medium GOAL: Create an outreach campaign on sustainable solid waste practices for schools. Conduct virtual or in-person school presentations within regional public and private schools. Develop partnerships with public and private schools in Peoria to promote recycling and sustainability education. I Number of events I Number of attendees I  umber of engagements with teachers N and other school staff GOAL: Begin outreach to local businesses on sustainable solid waste practices. Conduct inspections of commercial waste containers. Provide recycling educational resources to businesses. I Number of containers inspected I Types and volume of waste materials O Website and other media GOAL: Identify and implement service alternatives to maximize recycling and waste reduction. Implement a document shredding program, including at least three mobile shredding events per year. Pursue funding to implement the findings and recommendations of the Blue Lid Pilot Program. Explore the development of new recycling programs for materials such as textiles and electronics. I Number of residents participating I Tons of paper shredded and recycled I Participation rate I Contamination rate I Effectiveness of educational methods O Presentation to Peoria leadership O  esearch options for waste diversion R potential and feasibility O Proposals for diversion opportunities I Tons of trash, recycling, and compost I Waste diversion rate GOAL: Reduce waste sent to the landfill. Increase residential waste diversion to 22% by 2025. 27 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources Our Vision In the Sonoran Desert, a resilient and reliable water supply is of paramount concern for a thriving community. The City of Peoria aspires to be a leader in water conservation and strategic water planning to ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations. The City’s commitment to continual planning and investment in water resources and distribution enhances Peoria’s water supply quality and dependability. Water stewardship is a community-wide endeavor, and we must work together to protect this critical resource. 28 WATER RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources WATER USE BY SECTOR Why It Matters WATER SUPPLY BY SOURCE 1% System Use Estimated Build-out Water Supply Groundwater 2% SRP–Salt and Verde River 25% 36,602 acre-feet CAP–Colorado River 53.5% Commercial Landscape 8% Commercial/Construction 79,751 acre-feet 2020 Water Supply 21% 3.5% 17.5% 70% Residential 1% Municipal 42.7% Reclaimed Water 19.5% 36.3% Peoria has demonstrated the ability to provide water for all current residents and businesses for at least the next 100 years, and the City is continually planning to accommodate future needs.1 Nearly all of Peoria’s water currently comes from renewable sources like rivers, reclaimed water, and supplies previously stored underground. The City’s water management approach aims to improve water efficiency to stretch supplies, capture and reuse water, and protect the local watershed. The City also strives to provide the highest quality water to its residents and ensure that reclaimed water is beneficially reused to the greatest extent possible. As a residential community, approximately 70% of the City’s water is used for household purposes, from indoor plumbing to watering landscaping, emphasizing the importance of individual action. With development plans, a key concern will be to minimize the effects of growth on overall water demand. WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? “Living in a desert, I would say that water conservation is essential and should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.” The build-out supply forecast was drawn from the 2015 Integrated Water Utility Master Plan (IWUMP). Future planning will reflect updated forecasts from the forthcoming IWUMP. 1 29 WATER RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources RESIDENTIAL WATER USE BY TIER 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 35% 40% 34% 28% 22% Peoria’s tiered water rate structure means customers pay increasingly higher rates as they consume a larger share of water. Tiers 1 and 2 comprise 57% of all single-family homes, but they use only 26% of the water. In comparison, Tier 4 (the highest user group) represents only 15% of homes but uses 40% of the water. The City will consider an updated rate structure that will better incentivize high water users to shift into lower tiers. 21% 15% 5% Tier 1 0–4,000 gal/mo Tier 2 4,001–10,000 gal/mo % of Customers Tier 3 10,001–20,000 gal/mo Tier 4 20,001+ gal/mo % of Total Water Use MONTHLY WATER USE PER HOUSEHOLD: 12,000 GALLONS Other 6% Household Cleaning 8% Faucets 9% Showers & Baths 11% Residential water use in Peoria is dominated by landscaping. Simple actions such as choosing native or adaptive plantings and efficient irrigation can significantly reduce water use while still enhancing the beauty of our community. Toilets 12% Outdoor 54% 30 WATER RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources REBATE WATER Measuring Progress & Moving Forward SAVINGS WATER REBATE SAVINGS Peoria supports its residents in achieving water savings through various rebate programs designed to offset the costs of measures such as high-efficiency fixtures like toilets, smart irrigation systems, and xeriscaping. These rebate programs save between six to seven million gallons of water per year. That’s enough water to fill a baseball field with more than 8 feet of water! The City expand these incentive offerings to help everyone meet our shared goal of water conservation. SMART WATER METERS Rebate programs save up to 7 million gallons of water each year, the equivalent of 8 feet of water filling a baseball field!2 2 In-play area: foul lines to fence lines. ARIZONA PROJECT WET WATER FESTIVAL Looking to the future, Peoria plans to deploy smart water meters to its residents. These meters and the associated software enable residents to monitor their water usage in real-time, identify leaks, and save money. This technology also provides data for the City to manage water resources more efficiently. Every year, the City of Peoria hosts the Arizona Project WET Water Festival. At this event, approximately 1,200 fourth-grade students learn about the water cycle and the importance of conservation through engaging programs and hands-on activities. 31 WATER RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources As Peoria launches a new set of sustainability goals and indicators, here are a few snapshots of where the City currently stands: 180 Gallons Per Person Baseline (Average 2018 – 2020) NON-REVENUE WATER 5% Below Baseline 171 Gallons Per Person 2030 Goal By measuring water use per person, the City can track its water intensity and provide an opportunity to benchmark against industry standards. From 2018 – 2020, Peoria’s average daily water use per person was 180 gallons per capita per day.2 The City’s goal is to reduce this value by 5% by 2030. 2  aily water use per person is based on total potable and non-potable water supply divided by service area D population to provide a full accounting of impacts from source to end-use. This metric was calculated as a 3-year average for 2018-2020. Performance will be tracked as a rolling 3-year average to minimize the effects of annual weather variation. 32 WATER RESOURCES Non-revenue Water (% of source water) DAILY WATER USE PER PERSON 10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 6.5% 2019 7% 2020 6% Annual Goal Any water supply paid for by the City but not reimbursed via customer bills is called “non-revenue water.” The City undertakes comprehensive annual water audits to trace every drop of water from its source to its end-use, such as homes and businesses. This process uncovers opportunities to increase efficiency by repairing leaks, correcting billing or metering inaccuracies, optimizing processes, and informing design standard updates. Peoria’s goal is to keep non-revenue water at or below 6%. SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2021 Water Resources 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 33% 32% 37% 15% 2018 2019 2020 RECLAIMED WATER TREATMENT Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated and disinfected so it can be safely reused. This sustainable supply can be used to recharge local groundwater, or better yet, to provide water for irrigating city parks, golf courses, roadside landscaping, and other non-potable uses. As Peoria’s population grows, the opportunity to beneficially reuse reclaimed water will also increase. The key to maximizing this resource will be to have the proper infrastructure installed so the supply can meet the demand across the City. Currently, the City beneficially reuses nearly all (93%) of its reclaimed water, though only a portion of that water is reused locally. Peoria has set a goal to beneficially reuse 100% of all reclaimed water within city limits by 2035. 33 The City delivers renewable surface water (CAP or reclaimed) indirectly via groundwater wells. Well water represents 37% of Peoria’s water supply. These underground water resources are vulnerable to regional risks such as imbalances between how much water is put into the ground and how much is pumped out. The City’s goal is to increase the delivery of surface water supplies and reduce well water pumping to 15% of our overall supply by 2030. WATER RESOURCES 2030 Goal RECLAIMED WATER BENEFICIAL RE-USE Percent of Reclaimed Water Percent of Water Supply WELL WATER 100% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 37% 36% 40% 2018 2019 2020 2035 Goal Not Beneficially Re-Used Beneficially Re-Used Elsewhere Beneficially Re-Used within Peoria SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Water Resources Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) GOAL: Create a plan to install Automated Metering Infrastructure (“Smart Water Meters”) throughout the water service area. Establish a timeframe and method to replace existing meters with Smart Water Meters, including supporting infrastructure. I Timeline of change I Number and percent of meters replaced Plan to deploy water conservation software for customers to access real-time water use and leak detection data. I Software adoption rate I Leak detection rate High Medium Medium Medium High Medium High Short High Short GOAL: Increase conservation programs to reduce total gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 5% below baseline levels by 2030. Create commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) customer incentives or programs designed for their varied water needs. Increase rebates and programs for residential customers to drive efficiency and water demand reductions. I Number of participants I Dollar value of incentives given I Water savings achieved I Number of participants I Dollar value of incentives given I Water savings achieved I Annual non-revenue water percentage GOAL: Achieve and maintain non-revenue water at or below 6% annually. Conduct a system-wide American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36-compliant water loss audit annually. GOAL: Align and integrate water supply and demand planning with economic development, zoning, and other City planning standards. Update standards and internal processes to better link development with long-term water availability and efficiency. I Number of standards changed or added I Water savings achieved High Short Medium Medium GOAL: Evaluate Peoria’s tiered water rate structure for single-family residential accounts to incentivize water conservation and reflect the costs of serving high water users while maintaining affordable access for essential water needs. Propose a new tiered rate structure based on best practices, historical use, and our peers. I Percent of customers in each tier I Percent of total water use per tier GOAL: Improve education programs and outreach/marketing for water conservation efforts. Increase education to youth and schools. I Number of programs and attendance Low Medium Try new marketing strategies to better reach residents with tips and resources. I Reach and number of clicks for action-oriented digital marketing Low Medium Medium Medium High Long GOAL: Reduce well pumping to 15% or less of Peoria’s annual water supply by 2030. Increase surface water delivery to offset reduction in well pumping by implementing operational changes and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects. I Percent of water supplied by wells GOAL: Beneficially reuse 100% of reclaimed water within Peoria’s water service area by 2035. Increase direct use of reclaimed water to offset existing demands, eliminate riverbed discharges, and move recharge to within Peoria’s service area by implementing operational changes and CIP projects. 34 WATER RESOURCES I I Percent of reclaimed water beneficially reused (total) Percent of reclaimed water beneficially reused within Peoria SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Sustainability Engagement & Education Our Vision Communities advance their goals when stakeholders can participate and feel empowered to make decisions. The City of Peoria values the diverse needs and perspectives of its community members. Therefore, the City aims to actively engage and include community members in the development of sustainable policies and practices. By continually offering education to its residents and businesses, Peoria can foster a culture of conservation and environmental stewardship. 35 SUSTAINABILITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Sustainability Engagement & Education WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED! What sustainability goals and actions are important for Peoria? Why It Matters “Continuing education is key. It can never be a ‘one and done’ when it comes to sustainability and conservation.” The City has dedicated resources to conduct outreach with residents and other stakeholders on sustainability. These stakeholder groups encompass a range of viewpoints and experiences, and the City tailors its engagements accordingly. STAKEHOLDER GROUP SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS & INTERESTS TYPES OF ENGAGEMENT Public at-large Green living, recycling, water conservation, transportation, green space preservation, and education Sustain and Gain brochure, social media, Sustainable U training, tabling at events, utility bill inserts Youth and school communities Personal action for sustainability, leadership and career opportunities Recycling and water conservation education, outreach campaigns, and social media Senior citizens Conserving resources, enhancing community livability Sustain and Gain brochure, community outreach meetings, tabling at events, utility bill inserts Vulnerable populations Equity, inclusion, and access, community safety, human services, mental health, housing, and economic opportunity Community outreach programs, health awareness training, translations of key materials, ADA-compliant digital content, homeless referral hotline, web resources Neighborhood groups, non-profits, and other community organizations Varies based on types of groups: environmental stewardship, enhancing local services, improving neighborhoods Community outreach programs Local businesses and industry associations Minimizing operating costs and implementing best practices for water, energy, and waste Zoning ordinances, design guidelines, outreach programs Academia Research and innovation in environmental management Partnership with Arizona State University and collaborative research projects Local elected officials Ensuring long-term economic prosperity and a thriving community, demonstrating sustainability leadership Annual sustainability briefing Municipal employees and departments Sustainable municipal operations, assisting residents New employee training on recycling, communications on municipal sustainability actions Regional, state, or other public agencies Planning, regulatory compliance, managing demand for public utilities Policy meetings, campaigns, and regional partnership programs 36 SUSTAINABILITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Sustainability Engagement & Education Measuring Progress & Moving Forward The City hosts 10 to 15 Sustainable University events a year, with an average of 20 attendees each. These high-quality seminars offer practical (and fun) ways to live green, from boosting home energy efficiency to backyard herb gardening. Beyond that, Peoria’s popular Sustain and Gain brochure reaches over 75,000 households annually, bringing sustainability tips right to residents’ mailboxes. This sustainability plan has set the stage for more intentional community engagement. The City gathered feedback from over 780 stakeholders about the types of sustainability topics residents would like to learn. As Peoria launches its new plan, we will communicate our sustainability pillars and goals to the community and find ways for residents to stay involved. Our Action Plan GOAL ACTION INDICATOR OR OUTCOME (I/O) PRIORITY (L/M/H) TIMELINE (S/M/L/O) Low Short High Ongoing Medium Medium GOAL: Increase the reach of sustainability messaging. Create and deploy engaging content for City newsletters, social media, events and targeted advertising to encourage residents to interact with sustainability. Hold community sustainability education events. I Views and interactions I Post-program views I Call-to-action click rate I Newsletter open rate and click rate I Number of Sustainable U events I Number of attendees I Number of mailings I Views and interactions for unique links GOAL: Enhance the annual Sustain and Gain magazine Create a meaningful, action-oriented, and educationally driven document that showcases sustainable activities happening in Peoria while giving residents tools to act at home. 37 SUSTAINABILITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 Monitoring Success & Next Steps Because Peoria’s sustainability program continues to evolve, the City has taken a more strategic approach to this sustainability plan. The Municipal Green Team1 has established working groups with subject matter experts responsible for implementing each pillar’s action plan. Within the action plans, each goal has a corresponding action or set of actions that have been prioritized and assigned a timeframe to complete. Defined metrics and outcomes for each action will allow the City to identify successes and challenges along the way. We have also ensured close alignment of Peoria’s sustainability goals with broader City planning efforts.2 Through this structure, the City can measure what matters and improve transparency and accountability. 38 MONITORING SUCCESS & NEXT STEPS In terms of future reporting, Peoria intends to issue annual updates or develop a dashboard to communicate our progress toward the goals laid out in this plan.3 The sustainability plan will be updated every three years to summarize the City’s performance and accomplishments and to establish new actions as needed to advance its goals. Updates on our plan and progress will be made available at www.peoriaaz.gov/sustainability. See Appendix A-1 for a full list of Municipal Green Team Members. See Appendix A-3 for a crosswalk of sustainability goals and City plans. 3 See Appendix A-2 for recommended list of annual reporting indicators. 1 2 SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 APPENDIX TABLE A-1: MUNICIPAL GREEN TEAM MEMBERSHIP PILLAR 39 TEAM MEMBER AND ROLE (Working Group Leaders indicated in bold below) TABLE A-2: INDICATORS FOR ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY DASHBOARD KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (KPI) Building & Energy • Ed Striffler, Municipal Building Design • Jared Spangler, Facilities Technical Operations Supervisor • Kyle Kobashigawa, Facilities Manager • Total municipal electricity use • Percent of LEED buildings by square feet Urban Form • Cody Gleason, Principal Planner • Jack Situ, Site Engineer • Charles Andrews, Engineering Supervisor • Lorie Dever, Planning Manager • Walk Score • Total and percent preserved open space Transportation • Cathy Colbath, Transit Manager • John Freuden, Fleet Manager • Charles Andrews, Engineering Supervisor • Rhonda Humbles, Deputy Director of Public Works • Commute modal split — percent alternative transportation • Transit ridership • Miles of bike paths and lanes Community Health & Wellness • Lisa Mattox, Community Engagement Supervisor • Number of community engagements • Housing Assistance — number of households served and dollar value of assistance Natural Systems & Community Forestry • Brandon Putman, Field Operations and Planning Services Manager • Ryan McCartney, Landscape Coordinator • Della Killeen, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator • Municipal tree monitoring — net change • Tree inventory — percent by condition • Land cover class — percent by category Solid Waste Management • Beckie Borquez, Environmental/Recycling Coordinator • Steven Sandoval, Solid Waste Supervisor • Rhonda Humbles, Deputy Director of Public Works • Residential waste diversion percentage • Solid waste per capita Water Resources • Brett Fleck, Water Resources Planning Administrator • Cape Powers, Water Services Director • Daniel Kiel, Planning and Sustainability Manager • Andy Lombardo, Sustainability and Conservation Assistant • Daily water use per person (vs. goal) • Non-revenue water percent (vs. goal) • Beneficial reuse of reclaimed water percent (vs. goal) Sustainability Engagement & Education • Kristina Perez, Communications Manager •V  ictoria Caster, Water Conservation and Sustainability Coordinator • Number of events • Average number of attendees per event • Online content views (per platform and per campaign) APPENDIX SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 APPENDIX TABLE A-3: SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND CITY PLANS CROSSWALK PILLAR ALIGNMENT WITH GENERAL PLAN OR OTHER CITY PLANS Building & Energy • Analyze facility energy use by organizing accounts into building use categories and crafting an energy efficiency strategy for each category. • Track LEED buildings within the municipality. • Track solar energy benefits from municipal facilities. • Issue an educational graphic or communications release on municipal energy projects to inform residents of updates, savings, and simple payback. • Expand the LED lighting controls upgrades in City parking structures and other municipal areas. • Upgrade uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units in facilities and connect them to energy management software for better management and energy resilience. Sustainability Action Plan 2.0: • Enhancing our Environment through a Commitment to Responsible Stewardship • Awareness and Participation throughout the Community • LEED Silver for all new buildings / major renovations (adopted by City Council) General Plan — Preservation of Open Space Urban Form • Amend the Design Review Manual for development projects to include green planning and construction strategies. • Increase the City’s walkability score. • Research and pilot test, where feasible, cool pavement and walkway technology that is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant. • Adopt the updated International Plumbing Code and International Energy Conservation Code for water and energy efficiency with a 10% higher efficiency standard. • Expand public transit services. • Explore opportunities for alternative vehicles. • Increase the accessibility of walking routes and bike paths. • Assess opportunities for municipal fleet upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Transit Master Plan (subsection of General Plan) • Builds on transit items included in the General Plan and supports the concepts and expected developments outlined • Expansions based on the General Plan’s growth projections • Increase community engagement. • Maintain a webpage that has a library of resources available through the City and local non-profit partnerships. • Increase mental health programming and awareness. • Provide housing resources to residents. • Community Engagement Framework • Peoria SUPPORT website • Update the zoning ordinance to improve water conservation and open space protection. • Transform three City spaces per year into natural spaces with tree shade, wildlife habitat, and community engagement opportunities. • Ensure no net loss of municipal trees and ongoing monitoring of community tree canopy. • Create a tree care standards guide and increase awareness in the community. General Plan, supporting policies: • ES-4. Reduce the urban heat island effect by minimizing heat generation and retention from the built environment using a range of strategies. • ES-5. Expand and maintain a healthy, drought-tolerant, low-water use tree canopy and urban forest to improve the attractiveness of neighborhoods and the city as a whole. • ES-7. Create a landscaping maintenance guide identifying proper planting, care, and maintenance to protect, restore, enhance, and manage trees for their long-term health. Transportation Community Health & Wellness Natural Systems & Community Forestry continued on p. 41 40 SUSTAINABILITY GOAL APPENDIX SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 APPENDIX TABLE A-2. SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND CITY PLANS CROSSWALK continued PILLAR SUSTAINABILITY GOAL continued from p. 40 General Plan, supporting policies continued: • OS-7. Create, preserve, and manage biologically rich, connected open space; wildlife and plant habitat; and wildlife corridors, including natural washes and pockets of native vegetation, while working to eradicate invasive species. • OS-8. Rehabilitate and enhance natural drainage systems, water detention and retention basins, and other infiltration areas for multiple benefits, such as recreation, wildlife habitat, and stormwater management. • Create an outreach campaign for residents and ensure all new employees are trained in sustainable solid waste practices. • Create an outreach campaign on sustainable solid waste practices for schools. • Begin outreach to local businesses on sustainable solid waste practices. • Identify and implement service alternatives to maximize recycling and waste reduction. • Reduce waste sent to the landfill. • City of Peoria Code Chapter, Arizona Administrative Code R18-13-308 • Livability Goals: o Healthy Neighborhood o Economic Prosperity o Superior Public Service o Smart Growth Water Resources • Create a plan to install Automated Metering Infrastructure (“Smart Water Meters”) throughout the water service area. • Increase conservation programs to reduce total gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 5% below baseline levels by 2030. • Achieve and maintain non-revenue water at or below 6% annually. • Align and integrate water supply and demand planning with economic development, zoning, and other City planning standards. • Evaluate Peoria’s tiered water rate structure for single-family residential accounts to incentivize water conservation and reflect the costs of serving high water users while maintaining affordable access for essential water needs. • Improve education programs and outreach for water conservation efforts. • Reduce well pumping to 15% or less of Peoria’s annual water supply by 2030. • Beneficially reuse 100% of reclaimed water within Peoria’s water service area by 2035. • Conservation program/plan • General Plan • Planning Design Review Manual • Peoria Engineering Standards • Capital improvement plan (CIP) • Integrated Water Utility Master Plan (IWUMP) • Principles of Sound Water Management Sustainability Engagement & Education • Increase the reach of sustainability messaging. • Enhance the annual Sustain and Gain brochure. Community Engagement Framework Natural Systems & Community Forestry Solid Waste Management 41 ALIGNMENT WITH GENERAL PLAN OR OTHER CITY PLANS APPENDIX SUSTAINABLE PEORIA PLAN 2022 City of Peoria 8401 W. Monroe Street Peoria, AZ 85345 (623) 773-7000 peoriaaz.gov